Lake Manitoba to see highest levels in 50 years: province

WINNIPEG - Lake Manitoba is expected to see its highest level (815.2 - 815.6 above sea level) in 50 years, according to provincial officials.

Outflows from Lake Manitoba at the Fairford dam were estimated at 14,300 cubic feet per second, flood officials said Sunday. Inflows at the Portage Diversion, which diverts floodwater from the Assiniboine River into Lake Manitoba, were measured Sunday at 20,000 cfs.

An aerial photograph showing the extent of inundation expected for wind-eliminated lake levels to 815.5 feet in the RM of Portage la Prairie.

Inflows at the Portage Diversion will be increased to provide maxiumu protection to properties on the Assiniboine River east of Portage la Prairie, the province says.

Forecasters estimate peak wind-eliminated water levels for Lake Manitoba and nearby Lake St. Martin to reach high water levels that are unprecedented since regulation of the lakes began in 1961.

These forecast elevations are preliminary and may be revised with major weather changes and as computer models are refined.

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